Latest Stories from Charlie
Are Gen Z social media apps sustainable long-term?
US social media startup ‘Locket’ is launching a new feature called ‘Rollcall’ that allows users to post photo dumps for up to seven days. The update is indicative of a wider Gen Z trend toward private social media feeds, but actually providing an economically-sustainable space to do this is very hard. Viral social media app Locket has announced it will be launching a new feature called ‘Rollcall’ that gives users...
Police urge caution over viral AI homeless prank
Gen Zers are using AI tools to trick relatives into thinking they’ve let homeless people into their property. The ensuing outrage is recorded and then posted online, with many clips going viral. Now police are warning against the prank, citing safety concerns. We’re sure that you’ve probably seen the AI ‘homeless man’ prank online by now. A viral trend on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, Gen Zers are using in-app AI tools...
How are Gen Z changing the way we socialise?
New research by Hinge, in partnership with FOOD and ON ROAD, has found that most young people prioritise one-on-one connection over everything else, suggesting that close friendships are an important part of combatting Gen Z loneliness. Anyone who’s spent time in the advertising industry knows that marketers are forever yearning for an answer to the Gen Z loneliness epidemic. How can brands reach young people who are routinely jaded, uninterested and...
What’s going on between Taylor Swift and Charli XCX?
Taylor Swift and Charli XCX have been making headlines this week for a supposed ‘beef’ on both last year’s ‘Brat’ and the latest release of ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’ A Caucasian altercation is currently brewing in the pop sphere, if the rumours and fan theories are to be believed. Taylor Swift and Charli XCX have been making headlines this week for a supposed feud stemming back several years. With the...
Should Snapchat be allowed to charge users for storage?
Picture-sharing platform Snapchat has announced a new paid subscription system for storage exceeding over 5GB. Should big tech companies be allowed to charge for services that were once free? Snapchat, the image-sharing service mostly used by Gen Zers, will begin charging users for any storage exceeding 5GB. This includes all photos and videos that are part of the app’s ‘Memories’ feature, where content previously posted is archived and saved. Users...
What is a ‘swag gap?’
TikTok’s latest colloquial term ‘swag gap’ refers to couples or partners who have an obvious difference in aesthetic and style choices. Could you be part of a ‘swag gap’ couple? TikTok has graced us with another new slang term, this time focusing on couples and their outfit choices. Yes, really. A ‘swag gap’ relationship refers to a partnership in which one person makes significantly more effort to look good than...
BBC investigation finds misogyny and racism in Met Police
An undercover journalist from the BBC worked as a detention officer in Charing Cross custody suite for seven months. Using hidden cameras, the investigation gathered video evidence of racism and misogyny within the Met Police. WARNING: This article mentions and discusses sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. An extensive investigation by the BBC has found a prevalent underground culture of misogyny and racism in the Met Police. Rory Bibb, a journalist for...
Analysing the Gen Z European travel boom
New research indicates that Europe’s travel boom is being spurred on by Gen Z spending, with young people most likely to splash their cash and take regular trips abroad. Is tourism immune to the cost of living crisis? New studies show that Europe is experiencing a travel boom, and Gen Zers are the driving force. Forecasts predict that Gen Z will spend the most on international trips over the next twelve...
Opinion – England’s new ‘junk food deals’ ban is misplaced
A new ‘junk food deals’ ban will come into effect in England this Wednesday, preventing supermarkets and restaurants from giving discounts on unhealthy items. The intention might be honourable, but parenting the public doesn’t tackle the root of the problem. Junk food deals in major supermarkets will be banned permanently this week following a ruling by UK ministers. Major chains will no longer be able to sell ultra-processed foods in...
EA bought by private investors for $55 billion USD
Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to a new $55 billion USD acquisition deal with a consortium of investors. It’s the second most expensive gaming purchase of all time, only beaten by Microsoft’s buyout of Activision Blizzard for $75.4 billion USD. Electronic Art (EA) has been purchased by a consortium of investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), investment firm Silver Lake, and American finance organisation Affinity Partners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8-L8LUDPMI The buyout is...
